Historic Glen House Hotel At the Base of Mount Washington NH
It’s not so much what’s inside the Glen House Hotel in Gorham NH as what’s outside. But what’s inside is pretty nifty, too.
At the entrance to the Mount Washington Auto Road, and surrounded by exceptional beauty, Glen House – now in its 5th iteration (as the previous 4 were located across the street and have burned down) has been drawing vacationers since 1858.
The Fall Foliage might bring in the tourists, but in early Spring – on the heels of Mud Season, lucky visitors to the White Mountains of New Hampshire in quiet season are privy to “50 Shades of Green.” And these leafy shades are on full display throughout the grounds of this ravishing property.
(Should you wish to get off-property – here are a slew of ideas of Things to do in the White Mountains of NH).
Travelers intent on supporting environmentally friendly lodging will also love the fact that Glen House is aiming to be 100% “off the grid” with both hydro and solar power. It’s nearly there.
First Impressions of Glen House Hotel
The Glen House Hotel, according to Architectural Digest, has the Most Beautifully Designed Bar in New Hampshire.
No kidding.
The bar/lounge takes up most of the hotel lobby and is the first thing – boom! – that strikes you as you enter the place. That’s because its floor to ceiling wall of windows provides an immediate introduction to the mountains that loom in the hotel’s backyard. This is why you came here.
The hotel’s interior is sprinkled with wit, whimsey, and history. For instance, instead of a formerly living animal above its soaring fireplace, Glen House features Darby, a carved wooden “vegan” moose head, with a colorful patchwork-quilt “hide,” and a massive rack.
History of the Auto Road is told in the black and white photos mounted on every wall. Every picture and poster is in homage to the Mount Washington Auto Road. The jumbo photo mural in the reception area shows the very first woman to race her car to the top of the mountain in 1958. The “Race to the Clouds” is still held every four years.
On the Glen House Hotel Property
Visit the Red Barn Museum (free) to see some of the very first coaches and carriages that carried tourists to the top of Mount Washington when the “Carriage Road” first opened in 1861 (prior to the invention of the automobile).
The Glen House offers over 21 miles of trails; some accessible, paved paths that originate just steps out the door. From the back deck, you can take an energizing hike, x-country ski, and fly fish.
With its sublime surroundings, it’s no big surprise that the Glen House is popular with the nuptials set. Held at the foot of this famous NH Mountain, “micro” wedding ceremonies and elopements incorporate some of the most dazzling of Mother Nature’s scenery.
The outside deck thrums with people – even in cold weather when a fire pit blazes with light and warmth.
Dining At Glen House – The Notch Grille
The food – leveled-up pub fare – is so good, you’ll want to stay in for dinner. You got your wings, brussels, burgers, steaks, fish, and more, although the mountain views right out those two-story wall of windows might distract you a bit.
Rooms at The Glen House
Guest rooms are uncluttered, spacious and airy, in neutral woodland colors. Beds are the ultimate in coziness – dreamy comfort that had me in slumberland for a whole, rare, uninterrupted 8 hours. Bathrooms are pretty basic, but sparkling clean, and thankfully, brightly lit.
Book a mountain-facing room with a balcony – and with a glass of wine in hand, and room service dinner, you’ll never have to leave your chambers. The views are that riveting.
Amenities
When it’s snowing, the indoor heated saltwater pool (handicapped accessible), with its floor to ceiling picture window, is the place to just chill out. (Guests have mentioned that it’s too small to swim laps, but it’s the perfect place to float away the stresses of the day).
The small Fitness Center – with just a few machines – feels irrelevant here. “The room is hardly used with so much do to outside,” says a staff member.
Things To Do Near The Glen House Hotel
Mount Washington Auto Road
It’s pretty amazing that the 7.6 mile Mount Washington Auto Road was fully paved just a few years ago: in 2023!
First opened to the public in 1861 and continuously operated since then, driving it can be a bit tricky – although not as formidable as it was when, at first, horses and carriages, and then the world’s first cars, climbed the twisty, rocky, unpaved thoroughfare to the summit. So if you’re concerned, book a tour in the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, right across the street from Glen House Hotel.
Kayak, Yoga, X-Country Ski, Hike – and More White Mountain Activities From Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center
The building across the street from Glen House is a museum, gift shop, small cafe, and “base camp” for Great GlenTrails Outdoor Center. There, besides buying tickets for a guided tour of the Mount Washington Auto Road, you can arrange for x-country ski rentals, hiking, yoga, and kayak float trips – and a plethora of other activities.
Interestingly, the Mount Washington Auto Road, the Great Glen back Country trails, the snow tubing hill, the Glen House Hotel, and the Warming Huts around the hotel, are all privately (family) owned.
Downhill Ski
Wildcat Mountain is just two miles away. Attitash is 12 miles from the Glen House.
